Asking for a raise or negotiating salary for a new job are some of the ickiest things we have to do as working adults. But there are plenty of ways you can ruin your chances at a good salary before you even get the meeting started. Here are a few things to keep in mind as you put on your armor and prepare for the big negotiation.

A lot of times, many of us are so happy to have even gotten the job that we'll take any salary that is offered. What we don't realize is that we don't have to accept the first number thrown at us, because we can always negotiate salary and benefits before signing on the dotted line.

It’s time for another installment of Nine to Strive, PayScale’s career advice column. This week, we’re talking about the dreaded resume gap and how to react to a salary offer that doesn't quite meet your expectations. Ready to dive in and take the corporate world by storm?

If you want to make adults squirm like kindergarteners, broach the subject of salary negotiation. Talking money makes most workers uncomfortable. And while they want such talks to succeed, they make plenty of blunders. If only they had some basic negotiation guidelines.